The goal: create turnovers. The 49ers and Packers tied for the league lead last season with 38 takeaways each. Patrick Willis had the lone interception among 49ers linebackers.

Only six passes of Rodgers’ passes were intercepted last season. Whitner saw opportunities for more.

“A lot of times, when guys got their hands on the ball, the velocity is coming so fast that a lot of (defensive backs) are not really catching it,” Whitner added. “When it hits a guy in the hands or chest, he’s not catching it.”

But those few interceptions aren’t the only reason Rodgers, a Cal product, is the reigning league MVP. “He’s Drew Brees, with greater scrambling ability and a little stronger arm,” defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said.

Wide receiver/return specialist Ted Ginn Jr. remained out of practice with a right ankle injury. Ginn was limited to individual conditioning drills and is not in an orthopedic boot. Kyle Williams is his projected replacement on punt returns, Kendall Hunter on kickoff returns.

Running back Brandon Jacobs has not practiced since injuring his left knee Aug. 18. Short-yardage runs on Sunday likely would be handled by starter Frank Gore or Anthony Dixon.

Perrish Cox will serve as the No. 4 cornerback in place of incumbent Tramaine Brock, Fangio confirmed. Chris Culliver is the top backup to starters Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown.

The 49ers didn’t waste time preparing for the Packers once the league schedule was announced April 17. Fangio said a full scouting report was done by the middle of May and discussed in meetings but put to rest until training camp.

Players found new T-shirts in the lockers to signify the special-teams unit. The shirt’s back read: “Expect something. Do something. No excuses. Win!”

In a video clip recorded by a student, a psychology instructor at Orange Coast College told her class that the election of Donald Trump was “an act of terrorism” – prompting an official complaint from the school’s Republican Club.